Wildlife Trust Announces Thomas M. Exton as Executive Vice President for External Relations

NEW YORK - September 1, 2006 - Wildlife Trust announced a new member to its growing management team. Thomas M. Exton has joined the organization as the Executive Vice President for External Relations. Wildlife Trust is a conservation organization that empowers local conservation scientists worldwide to protect nature and safeguard ecosystems and human health. As Executive Vice President for External Relations, Exton will lead the development and communications initiatives as well as implement the organization's multi-million dollar major gifts effort for endowment building and program support.

With more than 25 years of experience, Exton brings a wealth of expertise in membership development, capital campaigns, fundraising, special events, and sponsorships. Before joining Wildlife Trust Exton was the Vice President of Development at the New York-based Big Apple Circus. There, he directed all aspects of major donor, foundation, government and corporate fundraising. Exton also coordinated Board Member recruitment and successfully increased annual funding by 74%.

Prior to the Big Apple Circus, Exton served as the Vice President of Development for The New York Botanical Garden. The New York Botanical Garden is the region's leading educational center for gardening and horticulture as well as an international center for plant research. During his tenure, Exton secured major gifts and raised $35,000,000 for the organization's capital campaign.

Exton's career has also included positions such as Senior Vice President of Development and Membership for the United Nations Association of the USA and Vice President of Development for the National Audubon Society in New York. "After an intensive search, Tom Exton's experience, accomplishments and prior success were met with enthusiasm by both our Board Members and our dedicated team of professionals, making for a perfect fit." said Mary C. Pearl, President of Wildlife Trust.

Exton, an alumnus of the University of Virginia, currently resides in Pleasantville, New York, where he also serves as an elected member of the Board of Education. He and his wife, Judy, are very active in the community and are involved in many local organizations. Judy is the Development Director for the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, NY.